Why grading matters
Condition is the second biggest factor in a figure's value after rarity. A sealed figure can be worth 2-3x an opened one. A figure with paint chips is worth half of one without. Knowing the grading scale protects you as a buyer and helps you price fairly as a seller.
Sealed / Factory Sealed (S) — 100% of market price
Never opened. Original factory seal intact. Box in perfect condition. This is the gold standard for collectors and investors.
- Factory seal or tape completely intact
- Box shows no shelf wear, dents, or sun damage
- All protective films and inserts present
- This is the only grade that qualifies as 'investment grade'
Mint (M) — 90-95% of sealed value
Opened but the figure and all accessories are in perfect condition. Looks like it just came out of the box.
- Figure has been removed from packaging but shows zero wear
- All accessories, stands, and extra parts present and unused
- Box is included and in excellent condition (minor shelf wear OK)
- No paint defects, scratches, or marks of any kind
Like New (A) — 75-90% of sealed value
Displayed briefly but shows no visible wear under normal inspection. Box may show minor shelf wear.
- Figure may have been displayed in a case for a short period
- No paint loss, scratches, or discoloration
- All accessories present
- Box may have minor shelf wear but no damage
- This is the most common grade for well-maintained collections
Good (B) — 50-75% of sealed value
Displayed for an extended period. May show minor signs of age or handling. Still looks great on a shelf.
- Slight dust marks or minor surface wear
- Very minor paint imperfections possible
- All major accessories present (minor extras may be missing)
- Box may show moderate wear, creases, or minor damage
- No structural damage to the figure itself
Fair (C) — 25-50% of sealed value
Visible wear, minor damage, or missing accessories. Still displays OK but not collector-grade.
- Noticeable paint chips, scratches, or discoloration
- Some accessories or parts may be missing
- Box is damaged or missing
- Figure may have minor repairs or touch-ups
- Yellowing from UV exposure possible
Poor / Junk (D) — Under 25%
Significant damage, heavy wear, or major missing parts. Mostly useful for parts, customs, or sentimental value.
- Major paint loss, broken parts, or structural damage
- Most accessories missing
- Box missing or destroyed
- May have been repaired, repainted, or modified
- Still has value for modders and custom figure builders
Box condition matters more than you think
In the anime figure market, the box is almost as important as the figure itself. A pristine box adds significant value, and a damaged or missing box drops it. Japanese collectors especially value box condition. The A/B/C grading system used by Japanese second-hand shops (Mandarake, Surugaya) maps closely to our scale.
Buying tips by grade
- For investment: only buy Sealed (S) or Mint (M) with box
- For display: Like New (A) offers the best value-to-quality ratio
- For daily enjoyment: Good (B) figures look great on shelves at significant savings
- Always ask for actual photos — never buy based on stock images alone
- On TFM, every listing shows the condition grade and real photos